Disclaimers- I do not own Weib Kreuz or Yuyu Hakusho but I wish I did.
Blood
It had been hard to escape the demons. It had been hard to fight them too, with the loss of my friend how am I suppose to fight them? How am I suppose to escape? Those were the thoughts that passed her mind when she was running away from the things that were after her. She didn't notice that she was inside a shop until someone bumped into her.
"Excuse me miss."
She looked up and violet eyes met with golden ones. She backed away and was about to run to the other direction when she saw the demons that was after her. She ducked immediately and was hidden among the flowers. They can't find me, they should not find me. She closed her eyes and felt the spirits of the demons getting closer.
Then there was four more spirits but this time they were familiar to her, very familiar to her. After the fleeting feeling that she was going to be caught the demons' spirit suddenly and slowly faded away. She couldn't believe it and was very reluctant to open her eyes. Just then two gentle voices filled her line of hearing.
"Hey they're gone now you can get up from there."
"Ken kun don't talk like that, can't you see she's really scared?" That's when she had the courage to open her eyes and look up.
Four good looking guys were talking among themselves but one has kept his eyes on her. One has violet eyes, the guy she bumped into a while ago, another has blue, then there's the guys with green and the last the one with golden eyes much like her but his did not have the depth her eyes had.
They were simple, easy to look at, easy to gaze into, something her eyes could never give out. She lowered her eyes to her hands and found that she was still in her clothes, the same one she has escaped from. Damn they'll really think I'm crazy. She had time to look around the shop and to her amazement she found herself wondering what she was doing in a flower shop. Where she was crouched down she could clearly see the freesias and the orchids. Also some daisies and roses. The shop was well kept and it bothered her so much since they were guys. Just then the blue eyed, brown haired guy bent down and smiled to her.
"Hi, I'm Omi. What's your name?"
My name? I can't give them my real name... "Yukiko."
He smiled again. He offered his hand and for some reason even though she did not like it she accepted. That's when she saw the shop she was in, she was right, it was a flower shop and it seems that the four guys are the caretakers. She had a good view at the others flowers and it had made her comfortable.
"Excuse me miss but could you tell us why you suddenly came into the shop ducked and seemed to be frightened of two businessmen?"
Two of the guys looked at Yoji and sweat dropped. "That's not like you Yoji kun." Omi said and laughed.
"I cannot explain it's hard to understand. Th-thank you for saving me I must leave now." She turned to leave but someone held her back. When she turned the violet eyes seemed to warn her of something.
"They're just around the corner, if you're running away from them they'll see you go out from this shop." He loosened his hold and Omi looked at him.
"Aya kun..." Ken raised his hands and said, "Okay fine I officially declare this day as a weird day. First Yoji refuses to flirt with girls and Aya lets one stay in the shop without buying anything."
With those words he received death glares and the unmistakable stare that meant "say another word and you will die."
She did not really know why but she felt quite at ease with them and it seemed that there was nothing around them that could attract the demons. She smiled at them and that's when her body gave in. She had been traveling for three days now. There was no rest for her especially when she was discovered by the demons. She was constantly running and she was even surprised she had lasted this long but now it was over. She was tired and she needed to give up. She closed her eyes and let herself fall but before she could feel the cold floor she had blacked out.
He had a very restless day. School was normal as it could ever be. Girls flock around him as if he was some kind of a rare artifact. It didn't really matter to him that much but after school Botan and Yusuke was waiting for him outside. Botan was wearing the same uniform she usually wears when getting one of them out of school and being the grim reaper she was still constantly smiling. Who would have thought?
"Yusuke? Botan? What's wrong?"
"Master Koenma needs all of us to go to the spirit world as soon as possible."
"Yusuke do you know anything about this?"
"No idea. Kuwabara and Hiei are on their way."
"Ah do you think it was such a good idea to leave those two alone?" Just then a shout was heard and the three people sweat dropped.
"I think not."
They were all in front of Koenma when the whole castle felt like it was in the middle of an earthquake. Everyone steadied themselves and looked at Koenma with confused looks.
"What the hell was that?"
"The reason I called you."
George the demon, servant of Koenma entered and showed them a map. "As most of you know there are three worlds existing The spirit world, the real world and the world below but there are two more world that are not mentioned." George flipped the map to reveal another more elaborate one.
"The spirit world is connected to the world below because of the real world and the word below connects to the real world as well. As you know barriers were formed to prohibit demons from escaping this world. However in the real world there is a place called Subete. This is a place where supposedly heaven, earth and hell meet.
This is the place of judgment as most of them say. Subete is a barren world were tests are made to see where a soul is to go. Beyond this place is another called Dark realm. The dark realm is a place were demons who escape death go. This is a place that maintains the balance between worlds and Subete is the only way in or out of the realm. A slight disorder in that world would bring noticeable destruction both in your world and the spirit world."
"So you want us to fix this matter then?" Kurama asked as he try to wake Yusuke and Kuwabara up. Hiei was almost asleep but suddenly stood alert again. Koenma sweat dropped but nodded.
"So how do you get to the dark realm?" Yusuke asked as he yawned.
"You can't enter the dark realm... That is problem number one. Problem number two is that the spirit world had an agreement to the monarchy there to never interfere with their problems unless they ask for help. Problem number three is that we do not know where Subete is. Problem number four is we have confirmed that the most powerful being that could stop all of this is kidnapped and brought to the real world. And lastly we do not know who or what is causing the disorder in the realm."
"And you expect us to fix this?" Hiei asked clearly irritated.
Koenma pulled something from his desk and threw it towards Yusuke. "That will help you."
"How?"
"It will lead you to a Cerenian."
"A what?" Yusuke and Kuwabara asked in unison while Kurama and Hiei looked at each other.
"A Cerenian, a person from the dark realm."
"There's something I don't understand Koenma." Kurama said as he stepped forward.
"Why can't we enter the dark realm and why must we do this mission?"
"You can't enter the dark realm because there are only two ways to enter it. One is if you are invited and another is if you escaped death but your soul could not be brought back to the real world. Anyone who enters Subete is not anymore under the spirit world's protection or jurisdiction."
"So the best way to fix all of this is to find the Cerenian which possess the power to stop this?"
"Exactly. As for your second question you need to do this mission because if this keeps up both the real world and the spirit world would collapse. Delivering destruction and unbalance to the worlds."
"And that is because?"
"The spirit world depends on the balance of the Dark realm."
Yukiko woke up just as she heard something. She sat up from her bed and found that she was in a basement of some sort. She pushed the blanket off her body and slowly made her way up the spiral stairs. She found herself in a house and looking down at her clothes she figured she'd be more safe if she changed. She clasped her hands near her heart and chanted in an instant she was now wearing baggy pants, a fit black sleeveless shirt, black soft shoes and on her hands are black arm warmers.
She found a mirror and looked at her reflection. People from this world would not see the markings on her face but just to be sure she hid it with a spell and the streaks of her hair was changed into the same color of the rest. Satisfied she left the room using the window and ran on top of the roofs. She was more flexible at night for she could use her powers and not be noticed.
She did not know where she was heading but when she heard screams and felt the spirits of the four that helped her she did not think twice and headed to that direction. She was almost out of breath when she got to them and when she saw the dead people and the blood she was reluctant to continue. Just then she saw a silhouette of four guys, one holding a sword, another holding what seemed like a wire and another dart the last had this claws sticking out from his hand.
She slowly crept towards them and saw the gleam of a gun pointed to the smallest one of the four. Before she could warn them the gun went off and the only thing to do was make sure it didn't hit him. She jumped from where she was and tackled the smallest. In a quick movement of weapons she felt the wire wrap around her throat, the claw things on her side and the sword behind her. 'So they're assassins. Talented and capable but still very weak.'
"Hey, wait guys it's Yukiko." The smallest said and Yukiko recognized the voice immediately, when she looked up at him she was surprised to see none other than...
"Omi?"
"Ah hi..."
"What are you guys doing here?" She asked just as she heard another gun shot.
"Guys spread out!"
She picked Omi up and ran towards the nearest thing that could protect them. Omi was bewildered but then saw the splinters wood. "Someone's firing at us?"
"Yeah using a silencer at that. Stay here."
She stepped out and looked around, she saw Aya near the building contemplating where the shoot was coming from, weapon ready. Ken made his way to Omi and Yoji was at the far right also looking for the source of the sound and weapon armed and ready. She saw two guys up a building and the sniper gun aimed at her. She smiled and rushed towards them. She evaded the bullets and jumped window to window to get to the men.
"Looking for me?" She asked as she landed softly on the roof.
"Quite." One of the men said and stepped into the light.
"You won't escape us this time." Big trouble... very big trouble. She took a fighting pose and waited.
"Try and catch me then."
Kurama was going home from the trip to the spirit world when he found himself in another part of Tokyo. Okay where did I end up too? He walked a couple more steps when he sense two spirit levels. Demons? He headed in that direction and found nothing but the energy was much stronger. When he was about to turn around he saw a girl falling from a tall building. He rushed towards her and caught her just in time. He saw the markings on her face and the streaks on her hair but ignored them because the other spirit energy was rushing towards them.
"Hand her over human."
A tall man said as he slowly made his way towards them. From out of no where darts flew and struck him on the side. "Pathetic humans." He raised his hands and four guys in dark outfits levitated from the ground. The girl stirred and looked up to the four guys. She stood up and attacked the person in front of them. She delivered kicks and punches just like Yusuke would and in the end he let the men fall to the ground.
"Omi, Ken run away now. I'll just follow you." Kurama heard the rustle of movement and then there was none.
Kurama seeing no harm in helping called his rose whip and attacked the man giving the girl enough time escape. He moved to the girl and whispered. "I'll keep him company go and help your friends." She nodded and delivered a blow on the guy's stomach before turning and leaving the scene. Kurama seeing the opportunity changed into his Youko form. The guy looked up at the Youko and laughed.
"A Youko? You must be kidding me. Let me guess you're from the spirit world. Well then I'll see you around." With that the guy vanished into the shadows and Kurama was left alone in the place. He tried to contemplate what just happened but his mind would not register anything else but the girl with the markings and streaks. Who could she be?
When Yukiko came back from that battle four pairs of eyes were waiting for her in the dining room. Yukiko saw their armed and ready weapon but Aya was the first to say anything to her.
"Who are you?"
"I am Yukiko and I came from a place different from yours. And yes you can consider me a demon Yoji."
"Those people that you fought what are they?"
"Demons from the world below, hell in your language. They are the people after me."
They had seemed to relax a little and started on treating each other's wounds.
"For what?" Ken asked as he bandaged Yoji's arm.
"For my blood, my core, my powers."
"And you are telling us all this because?"
"The first time I saw you I felt that I could trust you. Whatever I am. Your spirits... I have felt them before... They seem familiar to me more familiar than the spirits of the demons that was trying to kill me."
She sat across them and removed the spells. They saw markings on her face and streaks of black among her white hair. "This is the most natural look I have in this world that is why I must place spells so that people won't see them."
"Why are you here?" Yoji asked as he stood up to get some coffee. She lowered her eyes and shook her head.
"I'm not really sure why I am here. The last thing I could remember was waking up in a room full of blood and demons telling me that I will die by the time the sun rises. So I escaped and found myself in your world."
Aya had kept quiet until she stood up. "If you're thinking of leaving I'm not going to let you."
She turned towards Aya and smiled. "There no other choice, even if you guys are assassins you have no chance of fighting with demons with powers and ability that surpasses any of yours. Besides I have been a burden to you already."
"Nonsense." Ken said as he stood up. "We have faced things before I think we can handle it."
"If you meant this people you call Schwartz, I think you will find that the demons possess more abilities than this people you call Oracle, Prodigy, Berserk and Master Mind."
"And you know all this by reading our minds, much like Master Mind does."
"Not exactly, your spirits are sending the information to me. I have no intentions of probing anyone's mind without their permission."
She smiled and sat back down. She clasped and opened her hands to reveal a small cup with steam coming out from it. She took a sip from it and placed the cup on the table. They were silent for a few more minutes before Yoji cut in.
"So ahmm... Who she sleeping with?" Everyone sweat dropped on the idea.
Something had felt and seemed familiar about the girl that he saw. He was certain that he had seen her before. The markings, the streaks and the way she fought. They all seem connected to something from the past. There's no use denying it, she did seem familiar. Kurama was slowly making his way home and thinking about the girl she saved made him feel worried and uneasy for some reason. He felt the spirit of someone watching him and looking up Hiei was there waiting for him. He had jumped down and walked beside Kurama.
"So you think she's here?"
"She?"
"That Cerenian you'd been looking for?"
"I don't think she's the one we are looking for."
"Do you really believe I don't know what you are thinking right now?"
"She's not the one. I would have recognized her if she is."
"But what if she's the one who wished to forget you?"
"Why do you make this all so plainly stupid Hiei?"
"Because I don't trust her."
"She has the same sentiments believe me."
Hiei had stopped and disappeared from view. Kurama had sighed and thought about what he had said. What if it was true? What if she chose to forget me? Kurama had looked at the crescent moon that was slowly coming out from behind the dark clouds.
"Looking at the moon... Wishing you're doing the same, cursing and joking aside are you still there?"
Kurama sighed again and continued on his way back home.
Yukiko couldn't sleep, she was thinking about the last few hours when she had been escaping the demons. How did they keep finding me? There's was no way I could have failed in hiding my spirit if that isn't the problem then how did they knew? Yukiko had done a complete search through her body and found nothing that could have indicated as a transmitter. She sighed and looked at the moon. It had seemed to calm her down when she does. She was currently situated in one of the vacant room up the guys' apartments. She was in the veranda trying to keep her head from thinking too much when she heard movement below her.
It had seemed that her room was just above Aya's and the red head also couldn't sleep. He was looking at the moon and sighing sadly. Well she thinks it was sighing. She debated if she was going to disturb the guy but thought otherwise and give in to the thoughts in her head. That's when she saw the red mark on her left wrist. Where did this come from? She touched it and the substance came away from the wrist. She smelled it and her eyes grew wide from fear.
It was blood. There was no doubt about it. She let an ear piercing scream and before she knew it Aya was beside her looking at the blood on her hand. He pulled Yukiko to look away from the thing and his bathrobe muffled the scream Yukiko had not stopped doing. In a matter of minutes the rest of the group was on the veranda rubbing the sleep from their eyes.
"What happened?"
"I think she doesn't like blood."
"It's no ordinary blood."
"What do you mean Aya kun?"
"It hasn't dried yet. It's as fresh as if it was just from a new cut."
They looked at the blood on Yukiko's hand and Aya had kept Yukiko from seeing it. Omi took one vial from his pocket and scooped the blood from her hand.
"I'll run this through Birman. I think it's not a good idea to keep her sleeping up here."
"I can volunteer my room."
"Yeah right Yoji and then when it's unexpected you come home drunk and you don't remember she's there."
"What else do you propose we do Kenken?"
"I'll stay up here with her."
The three bishounen looked at the owner of the voice and found Aya carrying Yukiko to the apartment. He closed the door and left the three wondering what just happened.
Yukiko woke up a few hours later, just as dawn was approaching. She saw Aya sitting on the chair near her bed. His head was currently bowed and on his hand he was holding a piece of clothe. Yukiko went out of the apartment to the veranda and when she was about to close the door violet eyes watched her and seem to question her. She left the door opened and smiled towards Aya. She turned and leaned on the railings looking at the slowly fading moon.
"What is it with you, the moon and blood?"
"The moon just seems to help calm me down and about the blood am not quite sure I just seem to freak when I see some."
"Well you're not staying up here anymore."
"I surmised much when I heard the commotion I caused a while ago. Am terribly sorry about that."
"It's nothing."
They had kept silent and Yukiko kept looking at the moon uttering the phrase, "Hope he's looking at the same moon..."
For the next few days Yukiko worked for the Kitty in the house with the WeiB guys knowing full well that there was nothing going on in the house. She helped in flower arranging and helping the customers and also in that few days the customers soared incredibly. Not only girl swarm the shop but also the boys much to the irritation of Aya.
"Okay girls I only take girls that are 18 and above everyone whose age are younger than that you can talk to the chibi right there." He said pointing to Omi. "Yoji kun!" Aya was about to say something when Yukiko came into the shop from the back wearing an apron and carrying some flowers. The whole shop plunged into complete silence until Yukiko turned to Aya.
"Aya kun where did you want this flowers again?"
"The containers right outside the shop. Thanks again."
"Don't mention it. This is better than doing nothing."
Ken came up from the counter and walked towards Yukiko. "Here let me help you with that." Most of the girls' mouth opened and gave her evil death glares. When they were outside and Ken was bent on pouring water in the containers Yukiko whispered,
"Why were the girls glaring at me like I was some kind of monster?"
Ken laughed and looked at the confused face of Yukiko. "They are the fans that always go here to drool on the four of us. Seeing a girl work with us is a some what shock to them." Yukiko nodded but still not sure if she understood what Ken just said.
Just then Aya's voice boomed from the shop. "IF YOU'RE NOT BUYING ANYTHING JUST LEAVE THE SHOP!" Half of the girls came out running or crying. "And Aya has always this kind of impact on them, am I right?" Ken nodded. "And sometimes that's the reason there's no customers." Just then Omi came out of the shop carrying some vases.
"Ken kun come with me, help me deliver these flowers."
"Omi kun am out in a few minutes can't Yoji help you?"
"He doesn't want to he said he's going on a date in an hour."
"How about Aya?" Ken and Omi sweat dropped and Omi whispered,
"Aya doesn't do deliveries."
"Then I'll go with you."
"But Yukiko chan..."
"Don't worry you can teach me whatever I need to know on the way."
"That's not it, you see I need someone who can drive..."
"Is that all? What do you guys use anyway?"
They walked towards the garage and Omi showed her the vehicle. She touched the thing and smiled to Omi. "Let's go then."
Omi reluctantly entered the vehicle and Yukiko drove to the entrance much to the WeiB boys' amazement. "Come on Omi load the flowers so we can deliver them while they're fresh." Aya came out of the shop and looked at Yukiko.
"When did you learn to drive?"
"About five minutes ago. Don't worry I won't do anything rash." Omi and Ken finished loading the flowers and Yukiko waved goodbye to the other boys. "I think I should have gone with Omi..." Ken said while tripping on some vases and breaking some of it. "That's coming out of your pay check Ken."
It took 30 minutes to deliver the flowers and the last one was way across town. Omi read the address again and Yukiko stopped the vehicle.
"What's the matter Yukiko chan?"
"Most of the spirits here are demons. I don't know why but I'm beginning to get scared."
Omi patted her hand and pushed open the glove compartment. He placed three darts on his belt and turned to Yukiko. "If anything happens you'll escape I promise."
It took another ten minutes to find the house and by that time they were both very hungry. Omi walked to the door and the rang the doorbell as Yukiko took out the arrangement. When she looked at the arrangement she sweat dropped at how stupid it looked. She reached inside her hair and pulled a small flower, she smiled and placed it in the arrangement. Satisfied at the work she did she hurried to Omi's side and waited for the door to open.
"I'll get it." Yusuke said as he stood up. It had been an hour and not one of them knew how to go over the mission Koenma gave them. Everyone was there even the girls. Yusuke opened the door and saw a boy and a girl holding a flower arrangement.
"We're making a delivery for a Kazuma Kuwabara?" Yusuke looked a little confused and then turned.
"Oi, Kuwabara someone for you."
He smiled and then took a closer look at the girl. Something was definitely different about her. Something was surrounding the girl that he could not explain. It wasn't bad but it wasn't really good either. It was as if something was messing around with his head and that he couldn't find out about it. Just then an orange haired guy came into view.
"All right it's here. How much do I owe you guys?" Omi was about to speak when Yukiko said, " 25,000" It seemed that the color on Kuwabara's face suddenly drained when he heard the price.
"Yukiko chan..." Yukiko smiled and looked at Omi.
"Don't worry let me handle it."
Kuwabara pulled Yusuke aside and began whispering. Omi on the other hand stood nervously beside Yukiko. Just then a red haired guy and a black spiked haired guy came into view and Yukiko seemed to get frightened all of a sudden.
"Yukiko chan?"
Kurama turned and saw the two standing on the door way. He smiled at them but Yukiko suddenly handed Omi the arrangement and walked briskly towards the vehicle. Omi was dumb folded but it was much frightening to leave without the payment. Aya kun would be blazing mad. Kuwabara showed up again and paid Omi 25,000 yen. Omi handed him the arrangement and bowed. He walked towards the vehicle where he found Yukiko in the corner with the flowers covering her. He heard he mumble something like "they won't find me they won't find me." Omi went beside her and comforted her as best he could.
"What the hell did you need the arrangement for? Remember you owe me Kazuma!"
"All right, all right." He said as he carried the flower arrangement carefully and presented it to Yukina. "For you my princess."
The girls went ohh and ahh as Kuwabara gave her the flowers and Hiei was ready to kill him if not for Yusuke and Kurama. Yukina blushed as she accepted the flowers and while she smelled them they complemented her beauty even more. When Kurama saw the flowers and what they did he quickly came to Yukina to have a closer look.
"Hiei look at this." Hiei went to Kurama and saw what he was trying to say. "Hey what's going on?" Kuwabara asked as Yusuke came for a closer look. Kurama turned to Hiei and had a silent agreement.
"Nothing we just thought that the flowers indeed looked beautiful." Everyone sweat dropped at that. Kurama looked up at Yukina and smiled.
"Take care of those flowers Yukina chan, they will never wither." He turned to Kuwabara and pulled him aside.
"How much did you pay for that?"
"25,000 yen."
"Where?"
"Kitty in the house across town." Kurama looked at Hiei and nodded. "Yusuke we need to check something out. We'll see you tomorrow."
When Yukiko and Omi returned Aya was quite surprised at how much money they brought in. "That would be my fault." Yukiko said and smiled. "If anyone needs me I'll be in the kitchen." She slowly made her way at the back of the shop and headed for the basement.
"Omi what happened?"
"I'm not sure but when we came into this house and saw a guy she suddenly became frightened and when he smiled she went back to the van. Took a few minutes to coax her into driving back here." Aya was deep in thought when Birman came into the shop. They quickly closed the shop and went into the mission room where unknown to the four guys, was Yukiko's hiding place.
By the time Kurama and Hiei arrived at the kitty in the house it was already closed.
"Are you sure it's her?"
"There's only one being with that kind of power we both know that Hiei." Kurama said as he peeked through the window.
"So you finally believe me now?"
"No I'm just making sure it is her."
"You saw how she acted when she saw us."
"It could still be a different person."
"It's closed Kurama we'll return some other time." Hiei turned to leave but Kurama seemed to be stuck in his place. "Kurama?" Kurama picked something from the ground and hid it in his pocket. "Let's go."
After the meeting Aya and the others were having dinner when they remembered Yukiko. "Where do you think she is?" Aya took a plate, made a sandwich and some tea and disappeared from the kitchen. He entered the mission room and sat at the couch placing the sandwich at the table. "Come out, there's no one here except me." Yukiko came out from the most shadowed part of the room and sat cross-legged across him but still in the shadowed part.
"How did you know?"
"I'm not really sure but the first time I saw you, your eyes I mean I felt some sort of familiarity. It's hard to explain for even I don't understand. There seems to be thing or someone telling me that I must do this or that. Telling me where you are when needed to be, this is what I can promise you though. As long as you are here with us you won't get hurt. I won't allow it." Yukiko seemed to smile.
"You don't have to show me your real form... I don't know... I just seem to know."
Yukiko smiled and threw a flower towards Aya. "Thank you."
"And you better eat. You can't stay weak or hungry for all you know."
Yukiko took the sandwich and ate it slowly. Aya watched her and when she was done he took the plate and the cup from her and returned to the now abandoned kitchen. The next day Yukiko was at the counter early in the morning with Aya and Ken. Omi was at school and Yoji was sleeping late. When school was over girls swarmed the shop and to the bewilderment of the boys there were guys in the shop too. More than usual and everyone of them wanted Yukiko's arrangement. Not only that but there was suddenly the war of the sexes making some of the flowers spoilt and others ruined.
"What are you doing?"
"We got here first moron!"
"Hey wait don't fight everyone's going to get what they want."
"Move over buster!"
Some of the vases were broken and Aya was really mad that he sent all of them out of the shop. It took them so much time to fix and clean up the mess. Everyday it had seemed that it was the same thing happening over and over again and Aya was getting really really irritated especially at how much they were paying for the vases and the ruined flowers. One day when Yukiko finished her last arrangement he grabbed the close sign and hung it up at the door just as Kurama was coming in. At the sight of Kurama Yukiko ducked and crawled towards the back of the shop.
"We're closed come back tomorrow." Aya said and closed the door. He signaled the others to head to the dining room and he looked for Yukiko in the storage room. Kurama had not seen Yukiko and turned around to come back some other time.
"He's gone. Come on we need to talk about something."
"Aya what's the big deal closing up so early?"
Ken stretched and washed his hands on the faucet. Omi took out some cups and brewed some tea. Yoji leaned on the wall and Yukiko was seated at the chair looking a little pale.
"Yukiko's going to school by next week."
"WHAT?"
Ken was currently leaning on the chair and fell down on the floor. Omi burned himself by pouring hot water on his hand and Yoji seemed to wobble from his position. Yukiko looked up and looked confused at Aya.
"School? What's that?"
"Aya don't you think it's a little too much? I know the boys are irritating you and all that on top of the missions but isn't it a bit too much if we send her to school?" Yoji asked as he seated himself beside Yukiko.
"No, Too many people inside the shop and we won't be able to see if there are people trying to kill her or kidnap her. I think it's better to send her to school and when she goes home we'll take turns on picking her up from school. That way we can be sure nothing would go wrong and we can watch over her."
"Where are we going to send her to school?"
Aya turned to Omi and pulled some papers from top of the cupboard. "There's only one school that would take her in and it's across town. I'll bring her there tomorrow for her exam."
"Across town? Are you mad? How are we suppose to keep an eye on her if she's across town?" Aya gave Yoji the death glare and threw him a piece of paper. When Yoji read the notes in the paper he's face fell.
"Oh no Aya I'm not going through that again."
"What is it?" Omi asked as he gave Ken, Yukiko and Aya their tea.
"The annual fair in the school." Ken and Omi looked as if they would rather go on a mission alone than do what was on the paper.
"Excuse me... What's School? and Fair?" Aya turned to her and said, "I'll explain later right now you are going to sleep early and wake up at 6 Ken and Yoji will take the morning shift while I'm gone and Omi I want you to research for the routes around this address." Aya gave him a paper and stood from the table.
"Yukiko meet me in the mission room I just need to get some things."
Aya left the three guys to ponder on the flyer. "Aya has gone nuts." Yoji commented as he placed the paper on the table.
"No I think Aya kun is right." Omi said as he sat beside Ken.
"For some reason I felt a kind of obligation on protecting Yukiko. I think Aya kun is feeling that too." Yoji smiled and sighed.
"At least now am certain am not the only one."
"So we need to get things ready then..."
"Oh boy..."
Hiei looked at Kurama and shook his head.
"Closed again?"
"Yeah and this time a guy told me off."
"The red head with the gold earring?"
"Same one. Come on Yusuke would get worried if we don't show up in his house tonight."
Blood
It had been hard to escape the demons. It had been hard to fight them too, with the loss of my friend how am I suppose to fight them? How am I suppose to escape? Those were the thoughts that passed her mind when she was running away from the things that were after her. She didn't notice that she was inside a shop until someone bumped into her.
"Excuse me miss."
She looked up and violet eyes met with golden ones. She backed away and was about to run to the other direction when she saw the demons that was after her. She ducked immediately and was hidden among the flowers. They can't find me, they should not find me. She closed her eyes and felt the spirits of the demons getting closer.
Then there was four more spirits but this time they were familiar to her, very familiar to her. After the fleeting feeling that she was going to be caught the demons' spirit suddenly and slowly faded away. She couldn't believe it and was very reluctant to open her eyes. Just then two gentle voices filled her line of hearing.
"Hey they're gone now you can get up from there."
"Ken kun don't talk like that, can't you see she's really scared?" That's when she had the courage to open her eyes and look up.
Four good looking guys were talking among themselves but one has kept his eyes on her. One has violet eyes, the guy she bumped into a while ago, another has blue, then there's the guys with green and the last the one with golden eyes much like her but his did not have the depth her eyes had.
They were simple, easy to look at, easy to gaze into, something her eyes could never give out. She lowered her eyes to her hands and found that she was still in her clothes, the same one she has escaped from. Damn they'll really think I'm crazy. She had time to look around the shop and to her amazement she found herself wondering what she was doing in a flower shop. Where she was crouched down she could clearly see the freesias and the orchids. Also some daisies and roses. The shop was well kept and it bothered her so much since they were guys. Just then the blue eyed, brown haired guy bent down and smiled to her.
"Hi, I'm Omi. What's your name?"
My name? I can't give them my real name... "Yukiko."
He smiled again. He offered his hand and for some reason even though she did not like it she accepted. That's when she saw the shop she was in, she was right, it was a flower shop and it seems that the four guys are the caretakers. She had a good view at the others flowers and it had made her comfortable.
"Excuse me miss but could you tell us why you suddenly came into the shop ducked and seemed to be frightened of two businessmen?"
Two of the guys looked at Yoji and sweat dropped. "That's not like you Yoji kun." Omi said and laughed.
"I cannot explain it's hard to understand. Th-thank you for saving me I must leave now." She turned to leave but someone held her back. When she turned the violet eyes seemed to warn her of something.
"They're just around the corner, if you're running away from them they'll see you go out from this shop." He loosened his hold and Omi looked at him.
"Aya kun..." Ken raised his hands and said, "Okay fine I officially declare this day as a weird day. First Yoji refuses to flirt with girls and Aya lets one stay in the shop without buying anything."
With those words he received death glares and the unmistakable stare that meant "say another word and you will die."
She did not really know why but she felt quite at ease with them and it seemed that there was nothing around them that could attract the demons. She smiled at them and that's when her body gave in. She had been traveling for three days now. There was no rest for her especially when she was discovered by the demons. She was constantly running and she was even surprised she had lasted this long but now it was over. She was tired and she needed to give up. She closed her eyes and let herself fall but before she could feel the cold floor she had blacked out.
He had a very restless day. School was normal as it could ever be. Girls flock around him as if he was some kind of a rare artifact. It didn't really matter to him that much but after school Botan and Yusuke was waiting for him outside. Botan was wearing the same uniform she usually wears when getting one of them out of school and being the grim reaper she was still constantly smiling. Who would have thought?
"Yusuke? Botan? What's wrong?"
"Master Koenma needs all of us to go to the spirit world as soon as possible."
"Yusuke do you know anything about this?"
"No idea. Kuwabara and Hiei are on their way."
"Ah do you think it was such a good idea to leave those two alone?" Just then a shout was heard and the three people sweat dropped.
"I think not."
They were all in front of Koenma when the whole castle felt like it was in the middle of an earthquake. Everyone steadied themselves and looked at Koenma with confused looks.
"What the hell was that?"
"The reason I called you."
George the demon, servant of Koenma entered and showed them a map. "As most of you know there are three worlds existing The spirit world, the real world and the world below but there are two more world that are not mentioned." George flipped the map to reveal another more elaborate one.
"The spirit world is connected to the world below because of the real world and the word below connects to the real world as well. As you know barriers were formed to prohibit demons from escaping this world. However in the real world there is a place called Subete. This is a place where supposedly heaven, earth and hell meet.
This is the place of judgment as most of them say. Subete is a barren world were tests are made to see where a soul is to go. Beyond this place is another called Dark realm. The dark realm is a place were demons who escape death go. This is a place that maintains the balance between worlds and Subete is the only way in or out of the realm. A slight disorder in that world would bring noticeable destruction both in your world and the spirit world."
"So you want us to fix this matter then?" Kurama asked as he try to wake Yusuke and Kuwabara up. Hiei was almost asleep but suddenly stood alert again. Koenma sweat dropped but nodded.
"So how do you get to the dark realm?" Yusuke asked as he yawned.
"You can't enter the dark realm... That is problem number one. Problem number two is that the spirit world had an agreement to the monarchy there to never interfere with their problems unless they ask for help. Problem number three is that we do not know where Subete is. Problem number four is we have confirmed that the most powerful being that could stop all of this is kidnapped and brought to the real world. And lastly we do not know who or what is causing the disorder in the realm."
"And you expect us to fix this?" Hiei asked clearly irritated.
Koenma pulled something from his desk and threw it towards Yusuke. "That will help you."
"How?"
"It will lead you to a Cerenian."
"A what?" Yusuke and Kuwabara asked in unison while Kurama and Hiei looked at each other.
"A Cerenian, a person from the dark realm."
"There's something I don't understand Koenma." Kurama said as he stepped forward.
"Why can't we enter the dark realm and why must we do this mission?"
"You can't enter the dark realm because there are only two ways to enter it. One is if you are invited and another is if you escaped death but your soul could not be brought back to the real world. Anyone who enters Subete is not anymore under the spirit world's protection or jurisdiction."
"So the best way to fix all of this is to find the Cerenian which possess the power to stop this?"
"Exactly. As for your second question you need to do this mission because if this keeps up both the real world and the spirit world would collapse. Delivering destruction and unbalance to the worlds."
"And that is because?"
"The spirit world depends on the balance of the Dark realm."
Yukiko woke up just as she heard something. She sat up from her bed and found that she was in a basement of some sort. She pushed the blanket off her body and slowly made her way up the spiral stairs. She found herself in a house and looking down at her clothes she figured she'd be more safe if she changed. She clasped her hands near her heart and chanted in an instant she was now wearing baggy pants, a fit black sleeveless shirt, black soft shoes and on her hands are black arm warmers.
She found a mirror and looked at her reflection. People from this world would not see the markings on her face but just to be sure she hid it with a spell and the streaks of her hair was changed into the same color of the rest. Satisfied she left the room using the window and ran on top of the roofs. She was more flexible at night for she could use her powers and not be noticed.
She did not know where she was heading but when she heard screams and felt the spirits of the four that helped her she did not think twice and headed to that direction. She was almost out of breath when she got to them and when she saw the dead people and the blood she was reluctant to continue. Just then she saw a silhouette of four guys, one holding a sword, another holding what seemed like a wire and another dart the last had this claws sticking out from his hand.
She slowly crept towards them and saw the gleam of a gun pointed to the smallest one of the four. Before she could warn them the gun went off and the only thing to do was make sure it didn't hit him. She jumped from where she was and tackled the smallest. In a quick movement of weapons she felt the wire wrap around her throat, the claw things on her side and the sword behind her. 'So they're assassins. Talented and capable but still very weak.'
"Hey, wait guys it's Yukiko." The smallest said and Yukiko recognized the voice immediately, when she looked up at him she was surprised to see none other than...
"Omi?"
"Ah hi..."
"What are you guys doing here?" She asked just as she heard another gun shot.
"Guys spread out!"
She picked Omi up and ran towards the nearest thing that could protect them. Omi was bewildered but then saw the splinters wood. "Someone's firing at us?"
"Yeah using a silencer at that. Stay here."
She stepped out and looked around, she saw Aya near the building contemplating where the shoot was coming from, weapon ready. Ken made his way to Omi and Yoji was at the far right also looking for the source of the sound and weapon armed and ready. She saw two guys up a building and the sniper gun aimed at her. She smiled and rushed towards them. She evaded the bullets and jumped window to window to get to the men.
"Looking for me?" She asked as she landed softly on the roof.
"Quite." One of the men said and stepped into the light.
"You won't escape us this time." Big trouble... very big trouble. She took a fighting pose and waited.
"Try and catch me then."
Kurama was going home from the trip to the spirit world when he found himself in another part of Tokyo. Okay where did I end up too? He walked a couple more steps when he sense two spirit levels. Demons? He headed in that direction and found nothing but the energy was much stronger. When he was about to turn around he saw a girl falling from a tall building. He rushed towards her and caught her just in time. He saw the markings on her face and the streaks on her hair but ignored them because the other spirit energy was rushing towards them.
"Hand her over human."
A tall man said as he slowly made his way towards them. From out of no where darts flew and struck him on the side. "Pathetic humans." He raised his hands and four guys in dark outfits levitated from the ground. The girl stirred and looked up to the four guys. She stood up and attacked the person in front of them. She delivered kicks and punches just like Yusuke would and in the end he let the men fall to the ground.
"Omi, Ken run away now. I'll just follow you." Kurama heard the rustle of movement and then there was none.
Kurama seeing no harm in helping called his rose whip and attacked the man giving the girl enough time escape. He moved to the girl and whispered. "I'll keep him company go and help your friends." She nodded and delivered a blow on the guy's stomach before turning and leaving the scene. Kurama seeing the opportunity changed into his Youko form. The guy looked up at the Youko and laughed.
"A Youko? You must be kidding me. Let me guess you're from the spirit world. Well then I'll see you around." With that the guy vanished into the shadows and Kurama was left alone in the place. He tried to contemplate what just happened but his mind would not register anything else but the girl with the markings and streaks. Who could she be?
When Yukiko came back from that battle four pairs of eyes were waiting for her in the dining room. Yukiko saw their armed and ready weapon but Aya was the first to say anything to her.
"Who are you?"
"I am Yukiko and I came from a place different from yours. And yes you can consider me a demon Yoji."
"Those people that you fought what are they?"
"Demons from the world below, hell in your language. They are the people after me."
They had seemed to relax a little and started on treating each other's wounds.
"For what?" Ken asked as he bandaged Yoji's arm.
"For my blood, my core, my powers."
"And you are telling us all this because?"
"The first time I saw you I felt that I could trust you. Whatever I am. Your spirits... I have felt them before... They seem familiar to me more familiar than the spirits of the demons that was trying to kill me."
She sat across them and removed the spells. They saw markings on her face and streaks of black among her white hair. "This is the most natural look I have in this world that is why I must place spells so that people won't see them."
"Why are you here?" Yoji asked as he stood up to get some coffee. She lowered her eyes and shook her head.
"I'm not really sure why I am here. The last thing I could remember was waking up in a room full of blood and demons telling me that I will die by the time the sun rises. So I escaped and found myself in your world."
Aya had kept quiet until she stood up. "If you're thinking of leaving I'm not going to let you."
She turned towards Aya and smiled. "There no other choice, even if you guys are assassins you have no chance of fighting with demons with powers and ability that surpasses any of yours. Besides I have been a burden to you already."
"Nonsense." Ken said as he stood up. "We have faced things before I think we can handle it."
"If you meant this people you call Schwartz, I think you will find that the demons possess more abilities than this people you call Oracle, Prodigy, Berserk and Master Mind."
"And you know all this by reading our minds, much like Master Mind does."
"Not exactly, your spirits are sending the information to me. I have no intentions of probing anyone's mind without their permission."
She smiled and sat back down. She clasped and opened her hands to reveal a small cup with steam coming out from it. She took a sip from it and placed the cup on the table. They were silent for a few more minutes before Yoji cut in.
"So ahmm... Who she sleeping with?" Everyone sweat dropped on the idea.
Something had felt and seemed familiar about the girl that he saw. He was certain that he had seen her before. The markings, the streaks and the way she fought. They all seem connected to something from the past. There's no use denying it, she did seem familiar. Kurama was slowly making his way home and thinking about the girl she saved made him feel worried and uneasy for some reason. He felt the spirit of someone watching him and looking up Hiei was there waiting for him. He had jumped down and walked beside Kurama.
"So you think she's here?"
"She?"
"That Cerenian you'd been looking for?"
"I don't think she's the one we are looking for."
"Do you really believe I don't know what you are thinking right now?"
"She's not the one. I would have recognized her if she is."
"But what if she's the one who wished to forget you?"
"Why do you make this all so plainly stupid Hiei?"
"Because I don't trust her."
"She has the same sentiments believe me."
Hiei had stopped and disappeared from view. Kurama had sighed and thought about what he had said. What if it was true? What if she chose to forget me? Kurama had looked at the crescent moon that was slowly coming out from behind the dark clouds.
"Looking at the moon... Wishing you're doing the same, cursing and joking aside are you still there?"
Kurama sighed again and continued on his way back home.
Yukiko couldn't sleep, she was thinking about the last few hours when she had been escaping the demons. How did they keep finding me? There's was no way I could have failed in hiding my spirit if that isn't the problem then how did they knew? Yukiko had done a complete search through her body and found nothing that could have indicated as a transmitter. She sighed and looked at the moon. It had seemed to calm her down when she does. She was currently situated in one of the vacant room up the guys' apartments. She was in the veranda trying to keep her head from thinking too much when she heard movement below her.
It had seemed that her room was just above Aya's and the red head also couldn't sleep. He was looking at the moon and sighing sadly. Well she thinks it was sighing. She debated if she was going to disturb the guy but thought otherwise and give in to the thoughts in her head. That's when she saw the red mark on her left wrist. Where did this come from? She touched it and the substance came away from the wrist. She smelled it and her eyes grew wide from fear.
It was blood. There was no doubt about it. She let an ear piercing scream and before she knew it Aya was beside her looking at the blood on her hand. He pulled Yukiko to look away from the thing and his bathrobe muffled the scream Yukiko had not stopped doing. In a matter of minutes the rest of the group was on the veranda rubbing the sleep from their eyes.
"What happened?"
"I think she doesn't like blood."
"It's no ordinary blood."
"What do you mean Aya kun?"
"It hasn't dried yet. It's as fresh as if it was just from a new cut."
They looked at the blood on Yukiko's hand and Aya had kept Yukiko from seeing it. Omi took one vial from his pocket and scooped the blood from her hand.
"I'll run this through Birman. I think it's not a good idea to keep her sleeping up here."
"I can volunteer my room."
"Yeah right Yoji and then when it's unexpected you come home drunk and you don't remember she's there."
"What else do you propose we do Kenken?"
"I'll stay up here with her."
The three bishounen looked at the owner of the voice and found Aya carrying Yukiko to the apartment. He closed the door and left the three wondering what just happened.
Yukiko woke up a few hours later, just as dawn was approaching. She saw Aya sitting on the chair near her bed. His head was currently bowed and on his hand he was holding a piece of clothe. Yukiko went out of the apartment to the veranda and when she was about to close the door violet eyes watched her and seem to question her. She left the door opened and smiled towards Aya. She turned and leaned on the railings looking at the slowly fading moon.
"What is it with you, the moon and blood?"
"The moon just seems to help calm me down and about the blood am not quite sure I just seem to freak when I see some."
"Well you're not staying up here anymore."
"I surmised much when I heard the commotion I caused a while ago. Am terribly sorry about that."
"It's nothing."
They had kept silent and Yukiko kept looking at the moon uttering the phrase, "Hope he's looking at the same moon..."
For the next few days Yukiko worked for the Kitty in the house with the WeiB guys knowing full well that there was nothing going on in the house. She helped in flower arranging and helping the customers and also in that few days the customers soared incredibly. Not only girl swarm the shop but also the boys much to the irritation of Aya.
"Okay girls I only take girls that are 18 and above everyone whose age are younger than that you can talk to the chibi right there." He said pointing to Omi. "Yoji kun!" Aya was about to say something when Yukiko came into the shop from the back wearing an apron and carrying some flowers. The whole shop plunged into complete silence until Yukiko turned to Aya.
"Aya kun where did you want this flowers again?"
"The containers right outside the shop. Thanks again."
"Don't mention it. This is better than doing nothing."
Ken came up from the counter and walked towards Yukiko. "Here let me help you with that." Most of the girls' mouth opened and gave her evil death glares. When they were outside and Ken was bent on pouring water in the containers Yukiko whispered,
"Why were the girls glaring at me like I was some kind of monster?"
Ken laughed and looked at the confused face of Yukiko. "They are the fans that always go here to drool on the four of us. Seeing a girl work with us is a some what shock to them." Yukiko nodded but still not sure if she understood what Ken just said.
Just then Aya's voice boomed from the shop. "IF YOU'RE NOT BUYING ANYTHING JUST LEAVE THE SHOP!" Half of the girls came out running or crying. "And Aya has always this kind of impact on them, am I right?" Ken nodded. "And sometimes that's the reason there's no customers." Just then Omi came out of the shop carrying some vases.
"Ken kun come with me, help me deliver these flowers."
"Omi kun am out in a few minutes can't Yoji help you?"
"He doesn't want to he said he's going on a date in an hour."
"How about Aya?" Ken and Omi sweat dropped and Omi whispered,
"Aya doesn't do deliveries."
"Then I'll go with you."
"But Yukiko chan..."
"Don't worry you can teach me whatever I need to know on the way."
"That's not it, you see I need someone who can drive..."
"Is that all? What do you guys use anyway?"
They walked towards the garage and Omi showed her the vehicle. She touched the thing and smiled to Omi. "Let's go then."
Omi reluctantly entered the vehicle and Yukiko drove to the entrance much to the WeiB boys' amazement. "Come on Omi load the flowers so we can deliver them while they're fresh." Aya came out of the shop and looked at Yukiko.
"When did you learn to drive?"
"About five minutes ago. Don't worry I won't do anything rash." Omi and Ken finished loading the flowers and Yukiko waved goodbye to the other boys. "I think I should have gone with Omi..." Ken said while tripping on some vases and breaking some of it. "That's coming out of your pay check Ken."
It took 30 minutes to deliver the flowers and the last one was way across town. Omi read the address again and Yukiko stopped the vehicle.
"What's the matter Yukiko chan?"
"Most of the spirits here are demons. I don't know why but I'm beginning to get scared."
Omi patted her hand and pushed open the glove compartment. He placed three darts on his belt and turned to Yukiko. "If anything happens you'll escape I promise."
It took another ten minutes to find the house and by that time they were both very hungry. Omi walked to the door and the rang the doorbell as Yukiko took out the arrangement. When she looked at the arrangement she sweat dropped at how stupid it looked. She reached inside her hair and pulled a small flower, she smiled and placed it in the arrangement. Satisfied at the work she did she hurried to Omi's side and waited for the door to open.
"I'll get it." Yusuke said as he stood up. It had been an hour and not one of them knew how to go over the mission Koenma gave them. Everyone was there even the girls. Yusuke opened the door and saw a boy and a girl holding a flower arrangement.
"We're making a delivery for a Kazuma Kuwabara?" Yusuke looked a little confused and then turned.
"Oi, Kuwabara someone for you."
He smiled and then took a closer look at the girl. Something was definitely different about her. Something was surrounding the girl that he could not explain. It wasn't bad but it wasn't really good either. It was as if something was messing around with his head and that he couldn't find out about it. Just then an orange haired guy came into view.
"All right it's here. How much do I owe you guys?" Omi was about to speak when Yukiko said, " 25,000" It seemed that the color on Kuwabara's face suddenly drained when he heard the price.
"Yukiko chan..." Yukiko smiled and looked at Omi.
"Don't worry let me handle it."
Kuwabara pulled Yusuke aside and began whispering. Omi on the other hand stood nervously beside Yukiko. Just then a red haired guy and a black spiked haired guy came into view and Yukiko seemed to get frightened all of a sudden.
"Yukiko chan?"
Kurama turned and saw the two standing on the door way. He smiled at them but Yukiko suddenly handed Omi the arrangement and walked briskly towards the vehicle. Omi was dumb folded but it was much frightening to leave without the payment. Aya kun would be blazing mad. Kuwabara showed up again and paid Omi 25,000 yen. Omi handed him the arrangement and bowed. He walked towards the vehicle where he found Yukiko in the corner with the flowers covering her. He heard he mumble something like "they won't find me they won't find me." Omi went beside her and comforted her as best he could.
"What the hell did you need the arrangement for? Remember you owe me Kazuma!"
"All right, all right." He said as he carried the flower arrangement carefully and presented it to Yukina. "For you my princess."
The girls went ohh and ahh as Kuwabara gave her the flowers and Hiei was ready to kill him if not for Yusuke and Kurama. Yukina blushed as she accepted the flowers and while she smelled them they complemented her beauty even more. When Kurama saw the flowers and what they did he quickly came to Yukina to have a closer look.
"Hiei look at this." Hiei went to Kurama and saw what he was trying to say. "Hey what's going on?" Kuwabara asked as Yusuke came for a closer look. Kurama turned to Hiei and had a silent agreement.
"Nothing we just thought that the flowers indeed looked beautiful." Everyone sweat dropped at that. Kurama looked up at Yukina and smiled.
"Take care of those flowers Yukina chan, they will never wither." He turned to Kuwabara and pulled him aside.
"How much did you pay for that?"
"25,000 yen."
"Where?"
"Kitty in the house across town." Kurama looked at Hiei and nodded. "Yusuke we need to check something out. We'll see you tomorrow."
When Yukiko and Omi returned Aya was quite surprised at how much money they brought in. "That would be my fault." Yukiko said and smiled. "If anyone needs me I'll be in the kitchen." She slowly made her way at the back of the shop and headed for the basement.
"Omi what happened?"
"I'm not sure but when we came into this house and saw a guy she suddenly became frightened and when he smiled she went back to the van. Took a few minutes to coax her into driving back here." Aya was deep in thought when Birman came into the shop. They quickly closed the shop and went into the mission room where unknown to the four guys, was Yukiko's hiding place.
By the time Kurama and Hiei arrived at the kitty in the house it was already closed.
"Are you sure it's her?"
"There's only one being with that kind of power we both know that Hiei." Kurama said as he peeked through the window.
"So you finally believe me now?"
"No I'm just making sure it is her."
"You saw how she acted when she saw us."
"It could still be a different person."
"It's closed Kurama we'll return some other time." Hiei turned to leave but Kurama seemed to be stuck in his place. "Kurama?" Kurama picked something from the ground and hid it in his pocket. "Let's go."
After the meeting Aya and the others were having dinner when they remembered Yukiko. "Where do you think she is?" Aya took a plate, made a sandwich and some tea and disappeared from the kitchen. He entered the mission room and sat at the couch placing the sandwich at the table. "Come out, there's no one here except me." Yukiko came out from the most shadowed part of the room and sat cross-legged across him but still in the shadowed part.
"How did you know?"
"I'm not really sure but the first time I saw you, your eyes I mean I felt some sort of familiarity. It's hard to explain for even I don't understand. There seems to be thing or someone telling me that I must do this or that. Telling me where you are when needed to be, this is what I can promise you though. As long as you are here with us you won't get hurt. I won't allow it." Yukiko seemed to smile.
"You don't have to show me your real form... I don't know... I just seem to know."
Yukiko smiled and threw a flower towards Aya. "Thank you."
"And you better eat. You can't stay weak or hungry for all you know."
Yukiko took the sandwich and ate it slowly. Aya watched her and when she was done he took the plate and the cup from her and returned to the now abandoned kitchen. The next day Yukiko was at the counter early in the morning with Aya and Ken. Omi was at school and Yoji was sleeping late. When school was over girls swarmed the shop and to the bewilderment of the boys there were guys in the shop too. More than usual and everyone of them wanted Yukiko's arrangement. Not only that but there was suddenly the war of the sexes making some of the flowers spoilt and others ruined.
"What are you doing?"
"We got here first moron!"
"Hey wait don't fight everyone's going to get what they want."
"Move over buster!"
Some of the vases were broken and Aya was really mad that he sent all of them out of the shop. It took them so much time to fix and clean up the mess. Everyday it had seemed that it was the same thing happening over and over again and Aya was getting really really irritated especially at how much they were paying for the vases and the ruined flowers. One day when Yukiko finished her last arrangement he grabbed the close sign and hung it up at the door just as Kurama was coming in. At the sight of Kurama Yukiko ducked and crawled towards the back of the shop.
"We're closed come back tomorrow." Aya said and closed the door. He signaled the others to head to the dining room and he looked for Yukiko in the storage room. Kurama had not seen Yukiko and turned around to come back some other time.
"He's gone. Come on we need to talk about something."
"Aya what's the big deal closing up so early?"
Ken stretched and washed his hands on the faucet. Omi took out some cups and brewed some tea. Yoji leaned on the wall and Yukiko was seated at the chair looking a little pale.
"Yukiko's going to school by next week."
"WHAT?"
Ken was currently leaning on the chair and fell down on the floor. Omi burned himself by pouring hot water on his hand and Yoji seemed to wobble from his position. Yukiko looked up and looked confused at Aya.
"School? What's that?"
"Aya don't you think it's a little too much? I know the boys are irritating you and all that on top of the missions but isn't it a bit too much if we send her to school?" Yoji asked as he seated himself beside Yukiko.
"No, Too many people inside the shop and we won't be able to see if there are people trying to kill her or kidnap her. I think it's better to send her to school and when she goes home we'll take turns on picking her up from school. That way we can be sure nothing would go wrong and we can watch over her."
"Where are we going to send her to school?"
Aya turned to Omi and pulled some papers from top of the cupboard. "There's only one school that would take her in and it's across town. I'll bring her there tomorrow for her exam."
"Across town? Are you mad? How are we suppose to keep an eye on her if she's across town?" Aya gave Yoji the death glare and threw him a piece of paper. When Yoji read the notes in the paper he's face fell.
"Oh no Aya I'm not going through that again."
"What is it?" Omi asked as he gave Ken, Yukiko and Aya their tea.
"The annual fair in the school." Ken and Omi looked as if they would rather go on a mission alone than do what was on the paper.
"Excuse me... What's School? and Fair?" Aya turned to her and said, "I'll explain later right now you are going to sleep early and wake up at 6 Ken and Yoji will take the morning shift while I'm gone and Omi I want you to research for the routes around this address." Aya gave him a paper and stood from the table.
"Yukiko meet me in the mission room I just need to get some things."
Aya left the three guys to ponder on the flyer. "Aya has gone nuts." Yoji commented as he placed the paper on the table.
"No I think Aya kun is right." Omi said as he sat beside Ken.
"For some reason I felt a kind of obligation on protecting Yukiko. I think Aya kun is feeling that too." Yoji smiled and sighed.
"At least now am certain am not the only one."
"So we need to get things ready then..."
"Oh boy..."
Hiei looked at Kurama and shook his head.
"Closed again?"
"Yeah and this time a guy told me off."
"The red head with the gold earring?"
"Same one. Come on Yusuke would get worried if we don't show up in his house tonight."